Cape Town - An independent forensic pathologist’s report allegedly shows that there were several old and new injuries on Susan Rohde’s body, Netwerk24 has reported.

Netwerk24 was informed by a reliable source that Dr Reggie Perumal had done an autopsy on her body at Doves in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, at Jason Rohde’s request on August 1.

Perumal also worked on Oscar Pistorius's legal team, although he didn’t testify, and was asked to assist in the Marikana investigation, but was taken off the case.

Jason Rohde, 47, has been charged with the murder of his wife and was granted bail of R1.1m in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

Susan Rohde, 45, was found dead in the bathroom of a hotel room at the Spier Wine Estate, where the couple was staying on July 24.

Perumal’s report allegedly indicated that she had suffered pulmonary oedema, and a pathologist confirmed to Netwerk24 that this was typical in people who suffocated or suffered heart failure.

Susan’s heart was healthy according to the autopsy report.

Broken ribs and healing bruises

According to Netwerk24’s source, there were many injuries on her body that were still in the process of healing. One of these was a bruise of 26cm x 16cm on her right thigh and another one of 7.5cm x 4.8cm on her left thigh. There were also "many healing bruises on her lower limbs".

The source told Netwerk24 that there were many new injuries on her neck, left shoulder, left side of her brow, below and behind her right ear, on a finger and knuckle of her left hand, left wrist, left forearm and a toe on her left foot, as well as on her neck, jaw and chin.

The report allegedly also indicated that there was a deep new bruise on her tongue. Ribs 2 to 5 on her left side, ribs 3 to 6 on her right side, and part of her breast bone were also broken. According to the report, she died due to ligature strangulation, Netwerk24 reported.

Her husband insists that she had committed suicide.

Rohde's attorney, Tony Mostert, claimed outside court on Tuesday that the police had arrested their client without a warrant, and had contaminated the crime scene.

Before reading the statement at the top of the steps of the Stellenbosch Magistrate's Court, Mostert announced that they would take no more questions on the case from journalists unless they were sent in writing, because of the way the case had been handled by the media.

"The accusation that Mr Rohde may have been responsible for the death of his wife as represented by the South African police and reported on by certain sectors of the media is unsupported by the evidence in possession of his defence team.

"The criminal process prevents detailed disclosure of such evidence at this time, but we are able to say that the independent pathology report is consistent with suicide."

Rohde has to return to court on September 23, when the court could decide on whether he will be allowed to go to Gauteng to be with his daughter, who is preparing for matric. If that is granted, he will have to report to the Randburg police station.

Until then, he has to stay in the Western Cape.

Rohde has to report to the Melkbosstrand police station, on the Cape West Coast, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

He will live at a secret location, and Magistrate Gregory Daniels said the details of witnesses may not be revealed.

The millionaire couple from Bryanston, Johannesburg, were attending a Sotheby's conference at Spier when the incident occurred.

Jason Rohde is the CEO of Geffen International Realty Franchises.

He claims that the next morning, he could not get the bathroom door to open, and sought help. Susan was found dead inside the bathroom.

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Saving your profile

Settings

News24 allows you to edit the display of certain components based on a location.
If you wish to personalise the page based on your preferences, please select a
location for each component and click "Submit" in order for the changes to
take affect.

Your Location*

Weather*

Always remember my setting

Saving your settings

Facebook Sign-In

Hi News addict,

Join the News24 Community to be involved in breaking the news.

Log in with Facebook to comment and personalise news, weather and listings.